The Importance of Safe Driving

 

Driving is a dangerous freedom that millions of individuals take for granted regularly. Once comfortable in the driver’s seat it is easy to forget the threatening nature that driving creates. The concept of driving is simple, we utilize a vehicle to get from one location to another quickly. However, we quickly forget how fast we are going and how serious an accident can be. In just a matter of seconds, someone’s life could forever be altered because of some unforeseen circumstance on the road or the ignorance of other drivers. While not everything is completely in our control, there are multiple steps we can take to lower the number of fatal car crashes. From the classroom where individuals are taught how to drive, to the everyday experiences we undergo on the road, to the slight changes we can make to better focus on everyone around us while driving, it is possible to drop this increasing number and make driving less of a danger and more of a freedom.  

The ability to drive derives from their focus and concern for drivers’ education. Many students take the class without genuinely understanding the danger that lies behind the wheel, they see it as an obstacle to getting their license and breeze through the class to obtain their goal. This creates chaos; the lack of concern is reflected on the road because uneducated individuals will get into unnecessary predicaments that could have been avoided had they listened. For example, a common starting point in drivers’ education classes is learning the meanings of all the signs because when on the road you will encounter them. A student who cheats on the test and does not learn the signs will be a danger to themselves and others when on the road because of their ignorance of the signs. Preventing this ignorance is not an easy task because it is up to the students to learn more than it is up to the teachers to teach. However, building a foundation of knowledge about the roads and general rules to follow while driving is essential to bring down the number of fatal accidents that occur. Being well educated on the topic will help prevent many kids from entering said accidents and will lower the amount of stress that is part of driving. Because drivers’ education is so influential on the success of inexperienced drivers, it is essential to continue pushing for anything that enhances that experience and makes student drivers want to pay attention to a traditionally boring topic.  

While the problem begins with the teaching system, a larger part of the issue is that when drivers get comfortable, they become less alert and become more prone to car accidents. Many people are aware of the dangers associated with texting and driving, driving under the influence, or just driving when tired. However, people become confident in their abilities and continue to perform dangerous acts anyways, usually because they have not been exposed to any major incidents. Regardless of if we have been in an accident though, it is important to remember that it is always possible. Just because it has not happened to us does not mean it cannot happen. That theory is essential to remember when driving because the fear of being in a fatal accident can serve as a motivator for most individuals to not text or drink and drive. Simply practicing basic driving habits that consist of not taking your eyes off the road and keeping both hands on the wheel would significantly decrease the number of avoidable accidents and would lead to an overall safer road. I specifically remember one time when I was driving with my cousin, who at the time was intoxicated. He was driving sporadically, over the speed limit, and his vision was impaired because of the alcohol he drank. Luckily, it was extremely late at night, and we only drove for a five-minute drive. However, that does not justify the situation in any way, he took a risk that could have potentially not only hurt our lives, but also another family who was driving responsibly. His example will always remind me that the basic rules and laws we have created regarding driving are to protect us and others and simply following them will allow us to have safer roads.  

Finally, the last thing people can do to avoid more crashes is to just drive more. This may sound counterintuitive because the more people that drive the more opportunities for crashes to happen. However, it is the experience that makes people good at driving and reacting in fast-paced and stressful situations that is essential in avoiding serious incidents. The truth about driving is that not everything is avoidable; sometimes another person will run into you, or an animal could jump out of the road, or something could fall out of another person’s car, and so on. But an experienced driver who can react calmly and efficiently in those scenarios is going to avoid a fatal crash that a new anxious driver will not be able to. Practicing this step does not have to take place on fast-paced roads or busy intersections either, people just need to drive around and get comfortable in the driver’s seat while remembering to stay alert should effectively lower the number of fatal accidents that occur every year.  

Overall, I think that dropping our annual number of fatal crashes is essential. Driving is a freedom that should not be feared, yet it remains the most dangerous method of transportation. The danger will always remain on the road, and some of the incidents will not be avoidable. However, there are defiantly steps we can take to lower the risk involved in driving and make the roads a safer place. I think that furthering the education system will significantly help inexperienced drivers and reduce stress amongst them when they are exposed to the road, which will result in safer roads. Then I think that abiding by all the rules that have been created will help the crisis. Regarding following the rules, it is important not to get complacent with them because of how comfortable we get while driving because even though we are improving our abilities we must remember the possible consequences of ignoring the law. Finally, I believe that increasing experience amongst all levels of drivers will ensure safer roads because people will be more aware of how to react in complex situations. Doing all these things will not eliminate the issue, however, I believe that they will reduce the number of fatal accidents a year and lead to safer roads and a greater sense of freedom while driving.